Attenborough touched our lives through his on-screen work in a variety of ways. Let’s look back at a few.

‘Gandhi’

Attenborough’s finest moment as a director was this 1982 epic, a sweeping survey of the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi, who freed India from British rule. The role was brought to vivid life by Ben Kingsley in a career-making performance.

Here’s Kingsley in a memorable scene:
And here’s Attenborough accepting the Oscar for best picture in 1983

‘The Great Escape’

Attenborough put his acting talent to work as British POW Bartlett in this beloved war film from 1963.

‘Jurassic Park’

Attenborough played John Hammond, the creator of the theme park where prehistoric creatures roam. He gets the film’s signature line — “Welcome to Jurassic Park.”

‘Elizabeth’

Attenborough played William Cecil, a trusted advisor to Queen Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) in the 1998 period drama.

‘A Bridge Too Far’

Attenborough directed this 1977 World War II epic, which wasn’t a huge financial success but is notable for featuring many major stars of the day in its ensemble cast.

‘Chaplin’

The 1992 biopic about screen legend Charlie Chaplin was directed by Attenborough. It starred Robert Downey Jr., who earned his first Oscar nomination.

‘Cry Freedom’

Attenborough was behind the lens for this 1987 film about South African freedom fighter Steve Biko (an Oscar-nominated Denzel Washington).